Cardiff Council is capitalising on the UK’s PSTN switch-off to digitally transform the communications systems of its schools with Avaya Cloud Office by Ring Central. Already, 72 out of 128 schools have transitioned, improving communication agility, business continuity and cost efficiency. The council expects to save around £350,000 annually. The cloud-based phone system allows staff and teachers to communicate from any location and the move positions Cardiff schools to maximise the benefits of integrated, future-forward communication technology.
- Cardiff Council seizes the opportunity presented by the UK’s PSTN switch-off to upgrade school communications systems with Avaya Cloud Office.
- Transition of 72 out of 128 schools to Avaya Cloud Office is ahead of schedule, providing teachers and staff with improved agility, business continuity, and cost efficiencies.
- The move to Avaya Cloud Office enables 2,500 users to communicate and collaborate seamlessly from a single platform, offering flexibility in contactability and managing availability.
Cardiff Schools Seize Digital Opportunity Amid PSTN Switch-Off
In light of the UK’s impending PSTN switch-off, Cardiff Council has seized the opportunity to digitally transform the communication systems of its schools. This process is being achieved through an investment in Avaya Cloud Office by Ring Central, a component of the Avaya Communication and Collaboration Suite.
Progress and Benefits of the Transition
The council is making significant strides with this transformation, having completed the migration for 72 out of 128 schools, ahead of schedule. This transition has offered teachers and staff improved communication agility and business continuity.
Moreover, the council has reported significant cost efficiencies and economies of scale, alongside an enhanced ease-of-use and analytics data for IT admins. The overall impact is a streamlined, cost-effective communication system for Cardiff’s schools.
Huw David, Operational Manager for ICT Services, shared his perspective on the transition:
“We not only needed to transition all the schools ahead of the PSTN switch-off deadline, but we had an opportunity to choose a communications system that would enable economies of scale and a robust business continuity solution.”
The Role of Avaya Cloud Office
Avaya Cloud Office is a comprehensive, cloud-based phone system that empowers teams to communicate and collaborate efficiently, regardless of location, from a single platform. This solution provides an agile working method, allowing teachers and staff to be reached on one number, irrespective of their location in the school building or beyond.
Procurement and Collaboration
As a public sector organisation, Cardiff Council had to comply with procurement processes, including performing due diligence to evaluate various digital telephony product sets on the market. Avaya’s ecosystem partner, FourNet, an expert in secure cloud, CX consulting, and digital transformation in the public sector, assisted the council’s education department in finding a suitable solution.
Final Thoughts
The imminent PSTN switch-off in the UK has presented challenges for many institutions. However, Cardiff Council has demonstrated a proactive approach by utilising this as an opportunity for digital transformation. The integration of Avaya Cloud Office has not only improved the agility and continuity of school communications but has also presented significant cost efficiencies. This case serves as a valuable example for other councils facing the same transition, illustrating the potential benefits of embracing digital change.
FAQ
Q: What system did Cardiff Council invest in for the digital transformation of its schools’ communications systems?
A: Cardiff Council invested in Avaya Cloud Office by Ring Central, part of the Avaya Communication and Collaboration Suite.
Q: How many schools have completed the migration to the new communications system?
A: 72 out of 128 schools have already completed the migration to Avaya Cloud Office.
Q: What benefits have teachers and staff gained from the transition to Avaya Cloud Office?
A: Teachers and staff have gained communications’ agility, business continuity, and the flexibility to be contactable on one number wherever they are.
Q: How much were Cardiff schools spending on telephony per year before the switch to Avaya Cloud Office?
A: Cardiff schools were spending around £600,000 per year on telephony before the switch, but they were looking at potential savings in the region of £350,000 with Avaya Cloud Office.
Q: How many users have been onboarded to Avaya Cloud Office so far?
A: Over 2,500 users have been onboarded to Avaya Cloud Office since the transition began.
Q: Which Avaya ecosystem partner helped Cardiff Council’s education department find an appropriate solution for their communications system?
A: FourNet, a specialist in secure cloud, CX consulting, and digital transformation in the public sector, helped the council’s education department find an appropriate solution.
